Forest Warding Balm

From: Thornvine Dartleaf

Lore: Deep within the heart of the enchanted forest of Sylvanwood, where the ancient trees whisper secrets and the mystical flora bloom in vibrant hues, lies the legend of the Forest Warding Balm. It is said that the recipe for this potent ointment was gifted to the people of Aetheria by the forest spirits themselves, as a token of their protection and as a reminder of the delicate harmony between mortals and the enchanted realm.

According to the ancient lore, the Forest Warding Balm was first created by a skilled alchemist and healer named Alaric. He lived in harmony with nature, tending to the wounded and ailing creatures of the forest, and dedicating his life to safeguarding the enchanted glades. One fateful night, during a full moon, Alaric experienced a vivid dream in which the forest spirits revealed to him the secrets of the balm.

In his dream, he saw visions of the Thornvine Dartleaf’s sacred sap, the essence of the forest’s healing herbs, and the resin of the revered spiritwood trees. Guided by the spirits’ wisdom, Alaric set out to craft the Forest Warding Balm, weaving together the mystical energies of the enchanted forest into a powerful protective ointment.

Word of Alaric’s creation spread like wildfire among the inhabitants of the realm. Adventurers, healers, and nature enthusiasts alike sought out the ointment, hoping to harness its protective powers as they ventured into the depths of the enchanted wilderness. The Forest Warding Balm became a symbol of reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings with the enchanted realm.

Use: The Forest Warding Balm is a vital tool for those who venture into the depths of the enchanted forest, where the boundary between reality and magic blurs. When applied to the skin, the balm forms a protective barrier, imbuing the user with enhanced resistance against harmful natural elements and magical attacks originating from the enchanted forest.

The balm’s primary use lies in shielding the user from nature-based effects such as poison, entanglement, or illusion magic that is intrinsically tied to the essence of the enchanted forest. With the balm’s protection, adventurers can navigate through treacherous terrain, avoid harmful plant life, and resist the enchantments of mischievous forest spirits.

Values and Attributes:

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Stats: When applied, the Forest Warding Balm grants temporary resistance to nature-based effects and illusion magic originating from the enchanted forest. The user gains advantage on saving throws against poison, entanglement, and illusion spells for 1 hour.
• Skills: Requires proficiency in alchemist’s tools or nature to craft and apply the Forest Warding Balm effectively.
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cost: 25 gold pieces for the ingredients and alchemical supplies.

Process:

• Carefully extract fresh sap from Thornvine Dartleaf leaves and combine it with herbal essences in a mortar and pestle, grinding them together until a smooth paste forms.
• Add a small amount of spiritwood resin to the mixture, blending it until evenly distributed.
• The Forest Warding Balm is now ready for application and should be stored in a secure container to preserve its potency.

Tags: Protection, Nature, Enchanted Forest, Herbalism, Temporary Resistance, Forest Spirits, Healing, Balance, Harmony, Enchanted, Protection, Nature’s Gift, Spirit Magic

Where, When, and How the Recipe is Sold: The recipe for the Forest Warding Balm is a treasured secret known primarily to those who have a deep connection to the enchanted forest and its inhabitants. As such, it is not openly sold in bustling marketplaces or conventional alchemy shops. Instead, the recipe is carefully shared within certain mystical circles, alchemical guilds, and communities that revere nature and seek to protect the enchanted glades.

One of the primary places where the recipe can be obtained is within the enchanted forest itself. Forest-dwelling hermits, wise sages, or guardians of the sacred groves might share the knowledge with those who have demonstrated a profound respect for nature and the balance of the enchanted realm. Seekers must prove themselves worthy, displaying their dedication to the preservation of the forest’s harmony and the safeguarding of its mystical inhabitants.

Shown above as activated, Guardian spirit appears only to those that have true sight.

The Forest Warding Balm may also be passed down through generations of healers and alchemists who have made it their life’s purpose to protect the enchanted glades. These wise individuals, residing in secluded villages near the forest’s edge, preserve the ancient knowledge and may share it with chosen apprentices who have shown both talent and integrity in their craft.

Environment and How the End Results are Used: The enchanted forest, with its mystical aura and abundant natural wonders, plays a vital role in the creation and use of the Forest Warding Balm. The forest spirits themselves are believed to imbue the balm with their protective energies, making it most potent when crafted within the depths of the enchanted glades. The ingredients, such as the Thornvine Dartleaf sap and spiritwood resin, are harvested from the forest, further connecting the balm to its enchanted environment.

The end results of the Forest Warding Balm are used primarily by adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those who seek to explore the depths of the enchanted forest. Before embarking on their journeys, these individuals carefully apply the balm to their skin, inviting the protective embrace of the forest’s magic. With the balm’s effects, they gain temporary resistance to the forest’s hazards, such as poison-infused flora or the tricks of mischievous forest spirits.

The balm is particularly valuable for those who study and seek to learn more about the enchanted forest’s mysteries. Scholars, researchers, and druids often use the Forest Warding Balm during their studies, allowing them to delve deeper into the forest’s secrets without falling prey to its hazards.

As the balm’s effects are temporary, it is typically used sparingly, reserved for critical moments when facing nature’s dangers or navigating through the forest’s most enchanted areas. Users must show respect for the enchanted realm and avoid overreliance on the balm, as the forest spirits frown upon those who exploit its protective powers for personal gain or reckless endeavors.

Ultimately, the Forest Warding Balm serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between mortals and the enchanted realm. Its creation and use reflect the respect and reverence that must be shown to nature and its mystical inhabitants, promoting the delicate balance between the mortal world and the magical wonders of the enchanted forest.

Guardians of the Glade

In the kingdom of Etheldale, nestled at the edge of the enchanted forest of Sylvanwood, there was a tale known to all its inhabitants—a legend of courage, friendship, and the Forest Warding Balm.

Many years ago, the kingdom of Etheldale faced a grave threat—an ancient curse had befallen the land, causing the enchanted forest to turn against its inhabitants. The once-benevolent forest spirits became mischievous and vengeful, causing poisonous plants to spread, ensnaring unwary travelers with deceptive illusions, and unleashing powerful nature-based attacks on the kingdom’s borders.

The people of Etheldale were desperate for a solution. Rumors spoke of the Forest Warding Balm, an ointment said to offer protection against the forest’s malevolent forces. The king, seeking to save his kingdom, dispatched a group of adventurers to find the ingredients and learn the recipe for the balm.

Among the adventurers were Elinor, a skilled herbalist with a deep affinity for nature; Sir Roland, a brave knight with a compassionate heart; and Elara, a young mage known for her talent with illusions. Together, they set off into the heart of the enchanted forest, guided by legends and ancient maps.

Their journey was perilous, as the enchanted forest tested their resolve and camaraderie. They faced treacherous terrain, encountered deceitful illusions, and battled against malevolent spirits. Yet, in the face of adversity, their bond grew stronger, and they relied on each other’s strengths to overcome the challenges.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Elinor’s expertise in herbalism led them to the sacred Thornvine Dartleaf grove. She carefully harvested the sap from fresh leaves, extracting it with reverence and gratitude for the plant’s gift. Sir Roland displayed his gallantry, protecting his companions from the forest’s tricks and defending them from aggressive magical creatures.

Finally, they reached the heart of the enchanted glades, where the spiritwood trees stood tall and proud. Elara used her mastery of illusions to appease the forest spirits, demonstrating respect and understanding for the delicate balance between mortals and the enchanted realm.

At the pinnacle of their journey, they discovered the recipe for the Forest Warding Balm, hidden within an ancient tome guarded by a benevolent forest spirit. With a sense of awe and humility, they mixed the Thornvine Dartleaf sap with herbal essences and added a small amount of spiritwood resin. As they crafted the balm, they felt the magical energies of the forest intertwine with their creation, empowering it with protection and enchantment.

With the balm in their possession, Elinor, Sir Roland, and Elara returned to Etheldale, where the kingdom’s fate hung in the balance. The people welcomed them as heroes, and the king himself expressed his gratitude for their bravery and determination.

Elinor applied the Forest Warding Balm to the king’s skin, and a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes. As the balm’s enchantment took effect, the forest’s curse slowly receded, and the enchanted realm returned to its harmonious state. The kingdom of Etheldale was saved, thanks to the courage and friendship of the adventurers and the magical protection of the Forest Warding Balm.

The tale of Elinor, Sir Roland, and Elara’s journey spread throughout Aetheria, becoming a symbol of the unity between mortals and nature. The legend of the Forest Warding Balm served as a reminder to all that with respect, understanding, and the bond of friendship, even the most daunting challenges could be overcome, and the enchanting wonders of the world could be cherished and preserved for generations to come.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Forest Warding Balm

• Type: Magical Ointment
• Potency: 10%
• Duration: 1 hour per application
• Cost: 25 gold pieces to craft
• Description: A protective balm that grants the user resistance against natural hazards and illusions from the enchanted forest.
• Effects:
  • Upon application, the user gains a +20% bonus to all checks related to resisting poison, entangling vegetation, or illusion spells from natural sources.
  • In areas of high magic or enchantment, the balm may also provide a +10% bonus to Sanity checks against nature-induced horrors or illusions.
• Usage:
  • Takes 1 round to apply.
  • Can only be used once per session unless additional balm is crafted.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Science (Biology) or Occult roll to gather ingredients and a Hard Science (Chemistry) or Hard First Aid roll to produce.
• Notes:
  • The balm’s effects are reduced by half in areas outside the enchanted forest.
  • Overuse or disrespect towards nature might incur the wrath of forest spirits, potentially leading to curses or negative effects.

Blades in the Dark

Forest Warding Balm

• Item Type: Special
• Tier: 1
• Quality: Fine
• Cost: 3 Coin
• Description: An alchemical concoction that protects against the dangers of enchanted or mystical forests.
• Effect:
  • When applied, the user gains +1D to Resistance Rolls against effects from natural elements or spirits (like poison, entanglement, or illusions).
  • Grants an additional +1D to Consort or Sway actions when dealing with forest spirits or nature-based entities.
• Usage:
  • Applies once per score; lasts until the end of the score or 1 hour, whichever comes first.
  • Takes a Downtime Action to apply.
• Crafting: Requires Attune + Alchemy action during downtime. Roll with 2D if ingredients are readily available, or 1D if they need to be sourced.
• Notes: Overuse might provoke the spirits of the forest, possibly leading to complications or hauntings.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Forest Warding Balm

• Wondrous item, uncommon
• Description: This balm, when applied, forms a magical barrier that protects against the perils of enchanted forests.
• Properties:
  • While active, you have advantage on saving throws against poison, being restrained by plants, or illusions caused by nature spirits.
  • Grants temporary hit points equal to your level when applied in an enchanted forest setting.
• Activation:
  • Requires an action to apply.
  • Lasts for 1 hour or until the end of your next long rest, whichever comes first.
• Usage Limitations: Can be used once per day.
• Crafting:
  • Requires proficiency in Alchemist’s Supplies or the Nature skill.
  • Ingredients cost 25 gp, and crafting takes 1 hour.
• Notes: The balm’s magical properties are diminished outside of enchanted forests, granting only half the temporary hit points.

Knave (Second Edition)

Forest Warding Balm

• Item Slot: 1
• Rarity: Rare
• Crafting Cost: 5 gold
• Description: A mystical ointment that offers protection from the magical hazards of the enchanted forest.
• Effect:
  • Grants +2 Defense against attacks or effects from natural or magical sources within an enchanted forest (reduces damage or negates effects on a successful Save).
  • Advantage on saves against illusions or nature-based poisons.
• Usage:
  • Applying the balm takes 1 Action.
  • Effect lasts for 1 Exploration Turn (approximately 10 minutes).
• Crafting: Requires a successful Intelligence check with a DC of 15, using alchemical tools or knowledge of local flora.
• Notes:
  • The balm’s potency is reduced outside enchanted forests, granting only +1 Defense.
  • Misuse or disrespectful actions towards nature might lead to adverse reactions from the forest or its guardians.

Fate Core

Forest Warding Balm

• Aspect: “Protected by the Spirits of Nature”
• Type: Stunt
• Description: This balm grants the user a protective layer against the dangers of enchanted forests.
• Mechanics:
  • Invoke: When in an enchanted forest, you can invoke this aspect to gain a +2 bonus or reroll a failed roll against nature-based attacks or illusions.
  • Compel: The GM might compel this aspect to make you more cautious around natural settings or to have you encounter forest spirits who notice the balm’s magical signature.
• Usage:
  • Applies once per scene.
  • Takes one action to apply.
• Creation: Requires an Overcome action with a difficulty set by the GM, typically involving Lore or Crafts.
• Notes: The balm can be a focal point for narrative arcs dealing with nature’s balance or the wrath of forest guardians.

Numenera & Cypher System

Forest Warding Balm

• Level: 1d6+1
• Form: Ointment
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6
• Description: A mystical salve that provides protection from the mystical threats of enchanted forests.
• Effect:
  • Grants +1 to Armor against attacks or effects from natural or magical sources in enchanted forests.
  • Increases Speed Edge by 1 for the purpose of escaping natural entanglements or illusions.
• Activation:
  • Takes 1 action to apply.
  • Lasts for 1 hour.
• Crafting: Requires an Intellect task with a difficulty equal to the balm’s level to craft.
• Notes: In areas outside enchanted forests, the balm’s level is treated as 1 lower for all effects.

Pathfinder 2e

Forest Warding Balm

• Item Level: 3
• Price: 15 gp
• Type: Consumable; Ointment
• Usage: Held in 1 hand; Bulk L
• Activate 1 minute (Interact)
• Description: This balm, when applied, shields the user from the magical and natural perils of enchanted forests.
• Effect:
  • Upon activation, gain a +1 status bonus to Fortitude saves against effects from natural sources (like poison, entangling plants) and Will saves against illusions from nature spirits.
  • Provides temporary hit points equal to your level for 1 hour.
• Crafting: Requires the Alchemical Crafting feat, Crafting skill (DC 18), and 7 gp in raw materials.
• Notes: The balm’s effects are halved when not in an enchanted forest.

Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)

Forest Warding Balm

• Gear: Special
• Cost: 25 silver pieces
• Weight: 1
• Description: A magical ointment that offers protection from the hazards of enchanted forests.
• Effect:
  • Protection: Grants +1 Toughness against natural or magical attacks from the forest (like poison, entanglement, illusions) for one hour.
  • Skill Modifier: +1 to Stealth or Survival checks within enchanted forests due to the balm’s attunement to nature.
• Activation: Action: Apply the balm as an action.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Knowledge (Alchemy) or Survival roll at -2 to gather ingredients and concoct the balm.
• Notes: If used outside enchanted areas, the Toughness bonus is reduced to +0, but skill modifiers remain.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Forest Warding Balm

• Type: Magical Item
• Availability: 6
• Cost: 2,500¥
• Rating: 1
• Description: This mystical balm offers protection against natural and magical threats in enchanted forest settings.
• Effect:
  • Resistance: Grants +2 dice to resist poison, natural entanglements, or illusion spells from nature spirits or enchanted flora.
  • Magic: Provides a -1 dice pool modifier to spirits or creatures attempting to affect the user with nature-based magic.
• Activation:
  • Apply as a Simple Action.
  • Lasts for (Magic Attribute) minutes or until the next rest, whichever comes first.
• Crafting: Requires an Alchemy skill test with a threshold of 4, using rare components from enchanted forests.
• Notes: If used outside an enchanted forest, the resistance bonus is halved.

Starfinder

Forest Warding Balm

• Level: 1
• Price: 100 credits
• Bulk: L
• Type: Consumable; Ointment
• Description: A magical salve for protection against natural hazards in magical or enchanted environments.
• Effect:
  • Protection: Grants a +1 bonus to Fortitude saves against natural poisons, entanglement, or illusions from magical flora or fauna.
  • Skill Boost: +2 to Survival checks in natural or enchanted environments.
• Usage:
  • Takes 1 standard action to apply.
  • Lasts for 1 hour or until the end of the next encounter, whichever comes first.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Physical Science or Life Science check (DC 15) with access to mystical flora or alchemical equipment.
• Notes: The balm’s effects are less potent outside of magical or enchanted areas, reducing the bonuses by half.

Traveller

Forest Warding Balm

• Tech Level: TL4 (but with magical components)
• Cost: Cr500
• Mass: 0.1 kg
• Description: An alchemical paste that provides protection from natural and magical threats in enchanted forests.
• Effect:
  • Endurance: +1 DM to Endurance checks against natural poisons or entanglements.
  • Stealth: +1 DM to Stealth checks when moving through natural or enchanted environments.
• Application:
  • Requires 1 minute to apply.
  • Effect lasts for 1d6 hours.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Medic or Science (Biology) check (Diff 8+) using rare forest herbs.
• Notes: The balm’s effectiveness is reduced in non-enchanted environments, providing no bonus to Stealth.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Forest Warding Balm

• Type: Alchemy
• Rarity: Rare
• Cost: 15 Silver Shillings
• Encumbrance: 1
• Description: A protective ointment that wards off the magical dangers of enchanted woods.
• Effect:
  • Resilience: +10 bonus to Resilience Tests against poisons or nature-based illusions.
  • Intuition: +5 bonus to Intuition Tests to notice or avoid natural traps or illusions in enchanted forests.
• Use:
  • Applying the balm takes one round.
  • The effect lasts for 1 hour or until the next rest, whichever comes first.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Trade (Apothecary) or Lore (Nature) test (Difficulty Challenging (+0)) with access to the right ingredients.
• Notes: Outside of enchanted forests, the bonuses are reduced by half, reflecting the balm’s attunement to magical woodlands.